Coherent metamaterial absorption of two-photon states with 40% efficiency

Lyons, A. , Oren, D., Roger, T., Savinov, V., Valente, J. , Vezzoli, S., Zheludev, N. I., Segev, M. and Faccio, D. (2019) Coherent metamaterial absorption of two-photon states with 40% efficiency. Physical Review A: Atomic, Molecular and Optical Physics, 99(1), 011801(R). (doi: 10.1103/physreva.99.011801)

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Abstract

Multiphoton absorption processes have a nonlinear dependence on the amplitude of the incident optical field, i.e., the number of photons. However, multiphoton absorption is generally weak and multiphoton events occur with extremely low probability. Consequently, it is extremely challenging to engineer quantum nonlinear devices that operate at the single photon level and the majority of quantum technologies have to rely on single photon interactions. Here we demonstrate experimentally and theoretically that exploiting coherent absorption of N = 2 NOON states makes it possible to enhance the number of two-photon states that are absorbed by at most a factor of 2 with respect to a linear absorption process. An absorbing metasurface placed inside a Sagnac-style interferometer into which we inject an N = 2 NOON state, exhibits two-photon absorption with 40.5 % efficiency, close to the theoretical maximum. This high probability of simultaneous absorption of two photons holds the promise for applications in fields that require multiphoton upconversion but are hindered by high peak intensities.

Item Type:Articles
Status:Published
Refereed:Yes
Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID:Vezzoli, Dr Stefano and Lyons, Dr Ashley and Faccio, Professor Daniele and Valente, Dr Joao
Authors: Lyons, A., Oren, D., Roger, T., Savinov, V., Valente, J., Vezzoli, S., Zheludev, N. I., Segev, M., and Faccio, D.
College/School:College of Science and Engineering > School of Engineering > Electronics and Nanoscale Engineering
College of Science and Engineering > School of Physics and Astronomy
Journal Name:Physical Review A: Atomic, Molecular and Optical Physics
Publisher:American Physical Society
ISSN:2469-9926
ISSN (Online):2469-9934
Published Online:14 January 2019
Copyright Holders:Copyright © 2019 American Physical Society
First Published:First published in Physical Review A 99(1): 011801(R)
Publisher Policy:Reproduced in accordance with the publisher copyright policy
Related URLs:
Data DOI:10.5525/gla.researchdata.721

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Project CodeAward NoProject NamePrincipal InvestigatorFunder's NameFunder RefLead Dept
6672319UK Quantum Technology Hub in Enhanced Quantum ImagingMiles PadgettEngineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC)EP/M01326X/1S&E P&A - PHYSICS & ASTRONOMY